Job Discussion Forums

[XiaoBilly]

Hi. I have lurked these forums for awhile and wanted to ask for some advice.

My major was Japanese. I studied abroad for a year in Japan at an education university. I took some language and education classes there (in Japanese) and came back to the states to graduate and get a TEFL certificate from my university this year. I also tutored for a company while I was in Japan for five months, as well as some side tutoring.

Right now I am applying to a lot of jobs. Ideally I would like a job sometime this fall. The earlier the better. I have my degree and TEFL certificate, so I have no need to be here in the states any more. I have an interview offer for ECC, but it would cost me over $500 to attend since I would have to take a plane (I live in Florida). I also have one e-mail from a smaller eikaiwa that said that they are giving my resume deep consideration, and two others that gave me a response that they are currently reviewing applications now. There are lots of Eikaiwas I am applying too.

With my degree and qualifications, should I pass up the ECC interview? I feel confident with my teaching ability, but I've read about how they want someone ultra energetic. I can be genki. My past students liked my lessons and improved, but I'm not sure if I can meet the expectations of what I read on these forums and Gaijin Pot.

With my qualifications and experience, should I hold out for a place that isn't so expensive to apply to? I know the job market is tight now, but I have good references in Japan and the states. I am trying to use my contacts to find work too...trying more then just whats online. I think I made my decision, but since ECC is located in Tokyo ans Osaka (and surrounding areas), I thought they might be good to look for future jobs.

Any advice would be helpful. Thanks in advance.

[Glenski]

[projectrook]

I might be a little biased but, ECC is really one of if not the best eikaiwas to work for right now. For starters, out of the major ones, they are really all that is left. While there are still a lot of the mid to smaller ones around with the exception of places like GABA (which you dont want to work for IMO), ECC can offer a little more in stability.

I was in an almost same position as you. I was offered the interview and I really wasn't too keen on having to pocket the flight out for the interview. But "it takes money to make money" sometimes, and I figured I might as well do it. Well the end of that story is I was offered a job and I have been here for some time now working for ECC and I have not had anything to complain about thus far.

As for your degrees and experience, as Genski said, they don't offer you much of an advantage. While they might raise a few eyebrows, I wouldn't expect a new set of doors to open for you. Really, the only thing for us that can do that is actual and practical experience in Japan. This is for several reasons but the most obvious one is that a Japanese person most likely will have no idea what your degree or cert means. And tutoring in Japan, even if for a company really isn't seen as much of anything. I did almost the same for about 9 months when I was an exchange student as well, and all I got pretty much was an "oh, ok".

As for being genki, well that just comes with the job. Eikaiwas are "a school and a business". And more importantly, an expensive luxury item in a poor economy. Since kids lessons are really the money maker for an eikaiwa, you have to keep them entertained and learning at the same time. If the kids aren't happy, the parents aren't happy, and then the money is gone. Also, with what has happend to a few other schools, right now the Japanese public is worried about the business as a whole. When one school goes down (or a few for that matter), some will assume that all of them are going down and taking their money with them. I only mention this because I would have to guess that for the time being, offered interviews and positions are going to take a drop.

Don't know if any of this helped or not, but that was my two cents.

[Glenski]

[XiaoBilly]

Thanks for the input. I will apply for the interview. I think I might just request some of the later interview dates just in case if something comes through with the other places I applied too. That way if a miracle happens and I get a job offer by the end of the month, I don't have to go to Canada and ask off time from my current job. If I have to go, at least I have the chance to interview.

And James English School is one of the places I am waiting a reply from. It's actually my first choice if possible, especially if it's in their Sendai office (but Fukushima would be nice too).

[Rakuten]

Thanks for the advice guys

And, in regard to your OP, I think ECC is really one of the better companies to work for after doing some research on the Eikaiwa business since the fall of Nova and Geos.

They have seemingly some of the better benefit packages, Japanese lessons available to their teachers and I haven't seen a whole lot of criticism about their company online/forums.

If you choose to attend the interview, goodluck!

[Rakis]

Send another e-mail to confirm their receipt of the e-mail, perhaps with the volume of e-mails their recruitment department gets yours may have been taken but not replied to.

ECC will always, or almost always, write confirmation e-mails or replies to questions sent to them.

That story was true a year or two ago, they are always hiring because the teacher's position has such a high turnover (for some it's not the right gig, among other reasons to leave). If you are placed on the wait list most, if they haven't found a different job, will be sent over in the next training group.

New recruits are sent over regularly. Like a lot of schools across Japan, August and September will probably be the next mini-season.

[mdoor]

[Glenski]

I have not worked for ECC, mdoor. Just heard what I reported in the past 13 years.

[Rakuten]

Thanks for the advice

[seklarwia]

[Glenski]

[Rakuten]

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[Glenski]

[ironclad80]